This Hell is Heaven
Mutiny in Heaven recounts the trials and tribulations of the most challenging post-punk groups to emerge from the early '80s. Produced by The Birthday Party's Mick Harvey and long-time friend of the band Wim Wenders, Mutiny In Heaven features first-hand accounts from Nick Cave, Mick Harvey, Rowland S. Howard and Phill Calvert as they take you through the rise and inevitable fall of the band, capturing their twisted psychological and physical self-destruction. Director Ian White, who witnessed the band perform in the 80s for himself, includes unseen footage, rare artworks, and unreleased tracks in the documentary.
Combining elements of blue, jazz, rock, and punk, the group set the tone for the gothic scene. Originally starting in Melbourne before moving to London and Berlin, their trademark was a vicious, tumultuous stage presence, drawing from raw, dark emotions like punk had never seen before. Known for their untamed intensity and out of control audiences, the band became synonymous with riots, violence, and utter chaos. However, behind the scenes, internal conflicts brewed, eventually leading to a shattered disbandment.
"We really stumbled onto something completely unique, and it was just f****g crazy." —Nick Cave on The Birthday Party.
The documentary will begin screening September 1st, with showings across the nation. Cargo Film & Releasing is managing the film’s theatrical and VOD release in North America to coincide with Nick Cave’s tour in the US. The Birthday Party: Mutiny In Heaven will join Cargo’s diverse lineup of premium documentary content which includes films Ruben Blades Is Not My Name, Satan & Adam, Academy Award-shortlisted film Hidden Letters the Emmy nominated film The Conductor.